In Exodus, the focus was on coming out of Egypt. Numbers recorded the wandering in the desert between Egypt and the Promised Land. Deuteronomy was preparation for entering the Promised Land. In Joshua, we read of the fulfillment of God’s long-standing promise to give the land to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The corresponding call of the book is for God’s people to be faithful to keep his commandments. Although the book ends on a pessimistic note about their ability to obey, it also points forward to another Joshua who would finish the work.
The parable often called the Wheat and the Tares gives hope that one day all will be made right.
Children should obey their parents in the Lord while their parents nurture them in the education and correction of the Lord.
Two parables directed against the religious leaders indicated why they would lose their management of the kingdom, and why others would take their place.
